The Mathematics Department at OSU sponsors undergraduate mathematics competitions for all students, math majors and non-majors. See below for details on each contest, including test dates, deadlines for registering, and sample problems. In all cases, the participation will occur here at OSU.

For more information, or to sign up, contact the Math Club and Competitions Committee.

VTR Math Contest

The 41st Annual Virginia Tech Regional Mathematics Contest (VTRMC) was last held on Saturday October 26, 2019 9:00AM to 11:30AM (local time). It is currently suspended due to COVID.

• Each year, nearly 1000 students participate at more than 200 colleges and universities throughout the USA.
• Individuals compete for $750 in cash prizes for national winners.
• Past Exams (1979-on) with Solutions (1987-on)

This contest serves as a preliminary contest to the annual Putnam Competition (see below) held later in December. As such, it is roughly half as long (approximately 6-8 problems) with half as much time (2.5 hrs) and its problems are at a more accessible level to beginning undergraduates.

Although the VTRMC is good practice, participation in the VTRMC is not required for participation in the Putnam.

Putnam Exam

The Annual William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition is held on the first Saturday in December. The morning sessions run 8:00AM - 11:00AM followed by the afternoon sessions 1:00PM - 4:00PM (local time).

Participants must self-register and get their unique PIN (Putnam Identification Number). There is no deadline to the registration process, but a PIN is required to take the exam.

• Winning individuals earn between $250 and $2500 in cash prizes; winning teams earn between $5000 and $25000.
• Each year thousands of undergraduates and high school students participate at more than 540 schools throughout the USA and Canada.
• Approximately half of the participants score zero out of 120 on 12 problems; to score a single point is an accomplishment!
• More information

See the previous year's top scorers

COMAP MCM

The annual COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling is held in February.

• Teams of three students work on their choice from three math modeling projects over four days.
• Each year over 10,000 teams of (up to 3) undergraduates participate from more than 18 countries throughout the WORLD
• More information

This is an international, team based, undergraduate, mathematical modeling competition. Each team has three students, from any major. Three open-ended, real-world problems will be offered. Teams will choose one problem and write up a thorough solution approach within 4 days. Teams may use any inanimate source of data or materials. Submissions will be judged on the basis of scientific merits as well as clarity and organization of the written report.

See helpful preparation materials including past submissions and source codes.

We are fortunate at OSU to have had many meritorious winners and honorable mentions. See past years' winning teams.

For more information, or to sign up, contact the Math Club and Competitions Committee.